Analyzing how the intended audience of the time influenced the language choices of Maya Angelou in her poem "When I Think About Myself" and Ray Bradbury in "Zero Hour" requires understanding the historical and social context in which these works were created.
Maya Angelou’s "When I Think About Myself"
Intended Audience and Context:
- Maya Angelou wrote during a time of significant social change, particularly for the African American community in the United States, which was experiencing the Civil Rights Movement.
- Her audience likely included both those within the African American community seeking empowerment and broader audiences interested in social justice and equality.
Language Choices and Influences:
- Empowerment and Identity: Angelou uses first-person pronouns and colloquial language to establish a personal connection, reflecting the importance of self-identity. Phrases such as "I think about myself" emphasize introspection and self-affirmation which resonate strongly with the African American pursuit of self-worth during a period of systemic oppression.
- Imagery and Cultural References: She employs vivid imagery that evokes resilience and dignity. Words like "struggle," “joys,” and "pride" signify a celebration of African American culture and history.
- Tone of Defiance: The assertive tone in the poem speaks to a collective yearning for recognition and celebration of one’s identity, which was crucial for the movements she was a part of.
Ray Bradbury’s "Zero Hour"
Intended Audience and Context:
- Bradbury wrote during the 1950s, a time marked by the post-World War II era, the onset of the Cold War, and the rise of suburban culture in America. His audience consisted of both science fiction enthusiasts and a broader readership anxious about technological advancements and social change.
Language Choices and Influences:
- Imagery of Technology and Fear: In "Zero Hour," Bradbury uses words and phrases that evoke both wonder and fear regarding technology, a reflection of the era's anxieties about rapid scientific advancement. Terms like "invasion," "control," and "play" juxtapose childhood innocence with dark themes of manipulation.
- Childhood and Naivety: The use of children as protagonists may reflect societal norms of the time, where children were often seen as symbols of innocence. The phrase “Mother, the children are playing” contrasts with the more sinister undertones of the narrative, representing the tensions between perceived safety and actual danger prevalent in 1950s society.
- Dystopian Elements: The language reflects dystopian themes that were increasingly popular in the post-war era, pointing towards fears of dehumanization, loss of agency, and moral anxiety over technological progress.
Summary
Both authors utilize language and imagery that reflect the values and concerns of their respective times. Angelou's work centers on self-affirmation and cultural identity amidst civil rights struggles, employing personal and empowering language. In contrast, Bradbury's piece serves as a cautionary tale about the implications of technology and societal change, using language that captures the tension between innocence and danger. Each author’s choices underscore their engagement with the significant social issues of their eras, aimed at resonating with their intended audiences.